Fixed-rate customers face hefty hike in bills

Many households are facing a shocking rise in their energy bills in September, a price comparison site has warned.

A total of eight fixed-rate energy tariffs, including popular options from British Gas and EDF, are set to expire at the end of this month, with customers automatically switched to their supplier’s standard rate tariff.

Most will see their bills rise by an average of £77 a year as a result but others are facing a far bigger hike, according to Gocompare.com.

The site’s spokesman said: “Households in the East Midlands and who are on the EDF Energy Blue+ Price Promise August 2015 tariff will be hit the hardest, with a huge £136.59 (13.62%) rise when they are automatically switched to the EDF Energy standard tariff.”

While the switch will be bad news for most, Gocompare.com noted that some British Gas and Sainsbury’s Energy customers may actually see their bills fall by up to £60 when their tariff ends.

The site recommends that all customers who find themselves on a standard tariff take the time to search for a cheaper deal online as this could slash their bills by up to £300.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has compiled a list of simple steps households can take to reduce their energy usage throughout the year: Switch off standby

Save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Don’t waste water

Using a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap can save £30 a year in energy bills.

Only filling the kettle with the amount of water you need will save a further £7 and reducing washing machine use by just one cycle per week will save £5. Spend less time in the shower

One minute less in the shower each day will cut £10 off your energy bills each year, per person. With a water meter this will save a further £15 off annual water and sewerage bills. Turn off lights

An obvious one but the EST says many people are still not in the habit of turning lights off after use. Doing so will save you £15 on your annual energy bills.

Further details on the EST’s saving tips can be found at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domestic/energy-saving-quickwins.